Andrew Wingard Ranks Among The Greatest Players In Wyoming History

Take a good, long look at #28 when Wyoming plays New Mexico on Saturday, it could be your last chance to see Andrew Wingard in the brown and gold. Next year, the hard-hitting Pokes safety will be playing on Sundays. For now, here's a look back at his illustrious college career.

Wingard currently ranks second on Wyoming's career list with 449 tackles, just 18 tackles behind former Cowboys linebacker Galand Thaxton. If Wyoming can beat New Mexico and advance to a bowl game, there is a chance Wingard will end his senior season as the all-time tackles leader.

A game-clinching interception against Air Force last Saturday gives Wingard ten for his career, tied for third place on the all-time list with Mark Thomas and Daniel Prevo. Only Paul Wallace (14) and former All-American cornerback Brain Lee (17) had more picks for the Pokes.

Former Cowboys safeties Aaron Kyle, Derrick Martin, and Chris Prosinski all had successful NFL careers. Kyle and Martin both won Super Bowl rings. But even their college careers can't match Wingard.

Beyond the stats, Wingard's toughness and leadership helped resurrect the program. When Wingard came to Laramie in 2015, Wyoming was one of the worst teams in the country. Now, the Pokes are one game away from their third consecutive bowl bid. Many players and coaches have played a role in the turnaround, but none have had a bigger impact than Wingard, who has earned a place among the greatest players, and arguably the best safety, in Wyoming history.